Why should you use Twitter or any other social networking website for the sole purpose of “getting clicks” from people you don’t know?

My first response to this question is that if you are a business owner and you truly have something of such high quality and importance to society, it is your OBLIGATION to get your word out using every single outlet you can find.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I have a very good reason for attracting people I don’t know to my blog or profile.

And that reason is for “reach” and to cast a large net.

This economy sucks and businesses are closing shop. People everywhere are getting laid off just like I was nearly 20 years ago. If I have something to contribute to one person out there, I’m going to give it. And, who knows? Maybe something I write will strike a cord and the reader will come back for future visits or maybe even buy something.

Social networking is no different than traditional marketing in that it is all about attracting people you don’t know and introducing them to something you can provide. Will you make everyone happy? Of course not and that’s not the point. If you have a business, you need to generate traffic through multiple streams. Some will question your methods. Some will leave nasty voicemails for you too! But, that means nothing when you get that occasional email saying you offered the perfect words at the perfect time.

I think it’s come hight time that we as business owners take more of a pride in what we offer and be willing to showcase it wherever and in whatever scenario we find ourselves in. Twitter is just another example of a place where we can begin that relationship building process.

For even just a few, my hope is that I will be able to offer something that helps them in their course of business.

Writing a “catchy message” and “getting clicks” is only a mask for getting to the one or two people who really need a few words of encouragement.

Who knows? Maybe that one or two readers will even buy something from me down the road.